Storm Chandra: hundreds of schools closed and flights cancelled as heavy rain and wind hits Northern Ireland

More than 300 schools across Northern Ireland are closed today (Tuesday) as Storm Chandra wreaks havoc with high winds and heavy rain.

An amber weather warning, which usually means wide disruption, is in place until 9pm.

The Met Office said gusts of 60-70mph will affect eastern Northern Ireland, with possible 75mph gusts in coastal locations, adding that "easterly winds of this strength are unusual and are likely to be impactful".

At least 30 flights at Belfast City Airport have already been cancelled.

Some 15 departures and 15 arrivals scheduled to serve the airport were axed.

The affected airlines were Aer Lingus, Aer Lingus Regional and British Airways.

All the cancelled flights were on domestic routes serving these airports: Birmingham, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Heathrow, Leeds Bradford, London City, Manchester and Southampton.

Meanwhile, disruption to flights was also expected at Belfast International Airport.

A spokesperson said: “Belfast International Airport is experiencing delays on some flights this morning due to impact of the storm.

“Arriving passengers may experience delays to disembark aircraft due to wind speeds.

“We would advise any passengers planning to travel today to check with their airlines for the latest flight information. Updates will also be provided on our social media channels. Please take care on the roads if you are travelling.”

In addition, there have been reports of thousands of homes without power - with flooding also an ongoing issue.

The PSNI has also issued warnings for road users in a number of areas including the Steeple Road in Antrim and the Portaferry Road in Newtownards.

Armagh are advised that the Killylea Road is currently closed due to flood water, with closures also at the junctions of and along Ballycrummy Road, Nursery Road and Cathedral Road, which are impassable.

Storm Chandra is the third named storm this year to date.